20th March. Overcast with poor visibility and regular drizzle through the morning, improving early afternoon before a long rain shower. One of the highlights of the early Spring period is the movement of Redwings, heading back to mainland Europe and today witnessed one such movement. From soon after dawn flocks of Redwings were passing through over the west side of the Reserve, not a continuous passage but coming in waves; regularly 30-50 in a group but also two flocks of 200+. At the end of the two hour session, well over 1300 had been counted and just at the end of the session, a single flock of 120 Fieldfare passed over. Other birds around included a Great White Egret, 4 Bearded Tit and 2 Whooper Swan.
19th March. Another good morning for visible migration with a similar throughput of birds as yesterday but a Raven was over the East Dunes and then 2 Ravens went south along the Haven. Four Waxwings were also new arrivals and amongst the Finches, 8 Crossbill and 5 Brambling. A Water Pipit was on the Fenland Lagoon from West Hide.
18th March. With weather much improved and a return to south-westerly winds, there were many birds moving in the first couple of hours of the day; Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Siskin, Linnet, Meadow and Rock Pipit, Jackdaw, Rook, Starling, Woodpigeon, Stock Dove, Golden Plover, Skylark, Alba Wagtail, and even several Great Tit. The highlights were 4 Red Kite, 2 Buzzard, a Kestrel, a Grey Wagtail, 2 Collared Dove, a Bullfinch and 8 Brambling. In the dunes there was a slight increase of Robins and Woodcock (10) and a male Hen Harrier was hunting. Three Great White Egrets were seen again and single Lapland Bunting and Jack Snipe were seen around the New Saltmarsh.
17th March. Rain dominated until mid afternoon and as a result, little recording was carried out. However, 2 Bearded Tits were at the Mere, the 3 Great White Egrets remained around the lagoons and a ringtail Hen Harrier was hunting. Other birds around included 8 Corn Bunting, 8 Redwing and a Treecreeper.
16th March. Again, fairly quiet for vis mig but a party of 5 migrant Sparrowhawks were circling together and Grey wagtail moved south. 2 Crossbills were in the North car Park pines before leaving south. An increase of Chiffchaffs was noted with at least 16 on the Reserve, the 7 Whooper Swans had roosted overnight on Tennyson's Sands where a Bearded Tit was seen and 3 Great White Egrets arrived. A Tawny Owl was vocal during the morning. Other birds around included a Bullfinch, a Brambling and 2 Yellowhammers.
15th March. Fewer birds on the move today with a slight change in wind direction, but 2 Collared Doves and a Red Kite were the highlights. Birds around included a Hen Harrier, Green Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Woodcock, Goldcrest and 3 Chiffchaffs singing around Sykes Farm with another 2 elsewhere and the first Sand Martin of the year.
14th March. Remaining mild with a southerly breeze and occasional light rain. Another good morning large flocks of waders on the high tide and visible migration with over 1500 Chaffinch moving south with many other Finches, Pipits, Rooks and Jackdaws. The highlights were another Woodlark and 3 Red Kites. 2 Spoonbills also flew south over Jackson's Marsh and 5 Chiffchaffs were around, mostly singing.
13th March. A cloudy and overcast start becoming bright and sunny with a south-westerly breeze. A much busier day for visible migration with many flocks of Chaffinches, Jackdaws and Rooks heading south. The highlights of the movement were single Sparrowhawk and Hen Harrier over the sea, 2 Red Kites, a Grey Wagtail and 2 Woodlarks. The morning tide produced another good wader spectacle and at least 2 Chiffchaffs were in song.
12th March. Another dreary day with fairly poor visibility and light rain from early on becoming heavier mid-morning. Full wader counts were carried out this morning indicating a significant build up for some species as spring migration gets underway; 5290 Grey Plover, 6980 Dunlin, 7200 Knot, 2848 Bar-tailed Godwit, 1550 Oystercatcher and 790 Sanderling. Positive signs of visible migration were noted too with flocks of up to 30 Chaffinches heading low south with fewer meadow and Rock Pipits and Starlings. Other birds around included Short-eared Owl, Woodcock and 2 Water Pipits.
11th March. A grim day with intermittent rain and poor visibility. The high tide brought up some very good wader numbers but weather hampered any accurate counting.
